Cath Kidston is poised to make a comeback to the high street after its administration-related collapse in 2020.
- Acquired by Next for £8.5 million in 2023, Cath Kidston plans to re-establish physical presence.
- The first new store is set to open at Westfield White City, London on October 18.
- The brand initially shifted to an online-only model following financial challenges.
- Next has not yet confirmed plans for opening additional stores.
Cath Kidston, the iconic British lifestyle brand, is gearing up for a notable comeback on the high street, marking its first physical store since its descent into administration in 2020. The brand’s strategic acquisition by Next in 2023, for £8.5 million, enabled this revival move, demonstrating the resilience and appeal of the label.
The upcoming store opening at London’s Westfield White City on October 18 is highly anticipated. This new home for Cath Kidston signifies a significant milestone and an effort to reconnect with customers in a tangible way. The brand teased this exciting development through a clever social media campaign, prompting followers to guess the new store’s location.
After experiencing a downturn in profitability, Cath Kidston had to shutter 60 stores across the UK by 2020, resulting in the unfortunate loss of approximately 900 jobs. However, the brand was able to pivot to an online-only business model with the infusion of new funds from Baring Private Equity Asia.
In 2022, Hilco made a crucial investment in Cath Kidston, underscoring the enduring interest in the brand’s market potential. This laid the groundwork for its acquisition by Next in 2023, which appears to pave the way for the brand’s brick-and-mortar resurgence.
While the community eagerly awaits the opening, Next has yet to declare any concrete plans regarding further store expansions for Cath Kidston, leaving room for speculation about the brand’s future trajectory in the retail landscape.
Cath Kidston’s strategic revival on the high street signals a promising new chapter for the brand.
